What Does a Shipping and Receiving Clerk Do? (2023 Guide)

Are you looking for an entry-level role where you can gain work experience?

If you have good attention to detail, becoming a Shipping and Receiving Clerk could be perfect for you. This job is offered by a large number of industries and is sometimes split into two separate roles. It is perfect for people who thrive on structure and consistency and are willing to work hard. However, you may find it difficult to focus if you prefer a job with a lot of variation. 

So, let’s find out, ‘what does a shipping and receiving clerk do?’

The Work Environment

This job usually takes place in an office or a warehouse. You will typically work regular office hours and complete forty hours a week. However, it may be necessary to work weekends to meet the shipping needs of the company’s clients.

You are likely to spend most of your time standing and walking to various areas to retrieve items. You may also spend much of your time talking to customers, clients, and shipping experts. On-the-job training is provided for this job, making it suitable for entry-level candidates. 

Read more: How Long Does StockX Take to Ship?

Duties And Responsibilities

The tasks that you are charged with in this role will vary according to the company you work with. These are mainly clerical duties that involve managing shipments. Here are some of the main tasks you are likely to be charged with regularly. 

Recording

It is essential to accurately record shipping information. You will spend a lot of time entering this type of information into a computer system. This helps to make sure that all customer records are complete and up to date. 

Handling paperwork

All shipments need to be properly labeled, and the correct postage must be attached. You will make sure that each package you process also features the correct address. You will have to take note of any special instructions, such as delivery notes and hazardous or fragile contents. 

Pulling inventory

You may be charged with filling orders by finding items from the company’s stock. Remember to confirm that each order is complete before it is shipped. 

Packaging

An important duty may be placing merchandise in shipping containers or boxes. You need to make sure that items are properly packaged so that they do not become damaged. This includes deciding which packing materials to use and ordering packing materials when necessary. 

Arranging pick-ups

Packages may need to be collected by a third-party service like FedEx or UPS. You will be responsible for scheduling pick-ups and making sure exchanges go smoothly. 

Customer service

It is essential to be polite and friendly at all times when interacting with customers. You must be ready to answer questions and go the extra mile to find detailed information. When customers have issues, you must be able to resolve them quickly to enhance customer satisfaction. 

Invoice Processing

You will receive and process payments from customers daily. You will be charged with managing receipts and keeping a careful record of invoices. This is often done through emails and follow-up calls, as well as document management software. 

Vendor interaction

It is important to establish and maintain a rapport with different vendors. When there are billing discrepancies with them, you need to be able to handle them smoothly. This will help to resolve issues before they escalate. 

Payroll processing

This is one of the many administrative tasks that go hand-in-hand with this role. You may be charged with producing payroll each week, every two weeks, or each month. You will have to work closely with the accounting team to make sure all the information is accurate. 

Utilizing document management software

You need to be able to work with specialist software to perform different types of tasks. Document management software is often used to process daily transactions and support billing tasks. You may also use vendor portal management software when onboarding and off-boarding vendors.

What Does A Shipping and Receiving Clerk Do? – Skills And Attributes

You need to have a specific set of soft skills to do this job well. It is important to be very organized and be able to prioritize tasks. Here are some of the other skills and attributes a successful Shipping and Receiving Clerk needs to possess. 

Communication skills

It is essential to be able to speak clearly and politely when interacting with customers and vendors. You also need to have excellent written communication skills to write emails and create other types of documents. It is important to be able to explain complicated shipment and invoice information clearly and concisely. 

Attention to detail

The tiniest errors in addresses and invoice information can lead to serious issues for your company. You need to be able to focus for long periods when inputting data into different systems. In addition to working quickly and accurately, you must constantly check your work for errors. 

Problem-solving

You have to be able to come up with creative solutions when things do not go as planned. You need to be able to evaluate the different options and select the best one for customers and vendors. Being able to work well under pressure is an important skill that will serve you well in this job. 

Education And Training 

Because this is an entry-level role, little or no prior experience is needed to secure a job. However, you need to be able to demonstrate that you can learn quickly and can focus on tasks. Generally speaking, applicants need to have a GED or a high school diploma. 

If you are applying for a senior-level role, you need between two and five years of experience. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree in logistics can also help take your career to the next level. 

Training

You will need to have basic knowledge of software and computers to do this job. Employers are likely to provide a short course for new recruits. The course will make sure you have general math and computer skills.

Once you have gained the necessary skills, you will be provided with on-the-job training. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to six months to complete. It involves shadowing one or more senior employees and performing tasks under the supervision of a manager. 

Certifications

Earning a professional certification is the best way to take your career to the next level. This shows employers that you are serious about this career and have advanced skills and knowledge. Here are some of the main certifications that will increase your job prospects. 

Certified Professional in Inventory Management 

The Association for Chain Supply Management offers this professional certification. The coursework will provide the foundation training and knowledge for a career in inventory management. You need to have at least two years of work experience before enrolling in the course.

The program includes training on specialist terminology as well as valuable concepts. You will need to sit and pass five different exams that cover five separate areas of study. This includes the basics of supply chain management, planning and execution, scheduling, and resource management. 

Certified Professional in Supply Management 

The Institute for Supply Chain Management offers this certification to professionals with experience. It mainly focuses on procurement and processing as well as contract management and financial management. You need to hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least three years of experience to qualify. Once you have completed the set coursework, you will need to sit and pass an exam.

Certified Supply Chain Professional

This certification has been created by the Association for Operations Management. It is designed to provide an overview of the best practices of supply chain management. Completing the coursework and passing the exam can give you access to a managerial role. 

Before applying, you need to earn a foundation certification, hold a bachelor’s degree, and have at least two years of business experience. You can complete the course online, and it is best to study for at least three months before sitting the exam.

Become A Clerk For UPS Or USPS!

Firstly, we have a few relative career guides for you to look at, such as my PSE Processing Clerk Job USPS, my USPS Mail Processing Clerk Job Description, my Receiving Clerk Job Description, or how about my Inventory Clerk Job Description?

Next, let’s take a look at our in-depth guide to the UPS Application and find out How Much Does UPS Pay to give you an idea of your working hours, as well as our guide to the USPS Application and what to do if you make it onto the USPS Pre Hire List.

However, if you’ve run into some trouble in the past, please check Does UPS Drug Test Package Handlers and Does UPS Do Background Checks, along with Does UPS Hire Felons, and Does USPS Hire Felons, before applying in 2023.

What Does a Shipping and Receiving Clerk Do? – Final Thoughts

Working as a Shipping and Receiving Clerk can be a good way to gain work experience. This is a fairly stable job that requires attention to detail and strong customer service skills. This role can also serve as a stepping stone to more advanced jobs with higher salaries.

The average salary for a Shipping and Receiving Clerk is around $32,000 per year. This could increase to just under $50,000 annually after a few years. Earning a professional certification is the best way to boost your earning potential and career prospects.

Good luck in your new job as a Shipping and Receiving Clerk!